I was recently dx with CD in 6/07, but have passed between 17 and 20 (i've lost count) calcium oxalate stones in the past 6 years. Several years ago, I was prescribed Urocit K and took it 3 times a day for 2 years. It had no effect on my body forming the stones. Urologists and Nephrologists both told me that I was just going to have to deal with it. I've done well in the last several years, but now it's somewhat difficult to differentiate the "I'm passing a stone" feeling versus "It could be my crohn's." That has become very frustrating. Strangely enough my GI has told me the same thing that you were told. The stones were being caused by the crohn's. I don't know how often, what type and how big they are for you, but I would at least get a BMP to show electrolyte levels, especially calcium and if elevated, get a parathyroid hormone level. A 24 hour urine collection is valuable, too. I would hope your doc's have done this already, but I've learned the long, hard way. Urocit K works by alkanizing the urine and removing the waste before it has time to clump together and form our favorite friend. Urocit works by changing your electrolyte levels and we are already prone to having that problem from the CD. You should not take it if you have any peptic ulcers, either. It may actually make you more succeptible for developing them. I see you are tapering off your roids, too. I'm not sure your current dose, but if your adrenals aren't back to their best, this med and adrenal insufficiency is a no-no. They need to be operating in their prime. Without rambling too much more, basically my advice is to not jump into this overnight. You are not going to see a difference overnight. This med is only good at preventing future formations. If you've had a recent IVP or CT and know you have more stones, there's only one way for them to get out. Do your research on this med as it pertains to you specifically. I thought the stones were miserable, but I'll take a stone anyday before another flare up. Good luck in your research and decision making. I'm still learning alot about the CD stuff, but I know stones inside and out. Take care.
Brandon
26/m
dx w/ CD 6/07. IC valve occlusion (I barely escaped a colectomy), chronic renal stones, Migraines, Asthma, Degenerative disc disease, tonsillectomy '04, malignant submandibular lymph node removal '03, LeFort I fracture with facial/maxilla reconstruction '02, septoplasty, PTSD-Katrina (I was an EMT Paramedic (now resigned) in the city. Like many other colleagues, we were helpless, with everything ruined and had to turn our backs on those who needed us, in order to save our own lives). It was something I wish no one would ever have to fear again. Living it would be impossible. God Bless all those affected, and somehow we will heal...eventually.
Solu Medrol tapering down, Pentasa, Entocort, Prilosec, Kdur, Celexa, Robinul forte, Reglan, Xanax, Librax, Phenergan, Midrin, Toprol